News that the Government has called a tender for a first-of-its-kind dementia village in Sembawang last week did little to excite Ms Rachel Lim (not her real name), who was diagnosed with dementia about a year ago.
Rachel, 62, is single and has lived alone in a three-room Housing Board flat for 30 years and wants to continue doing so.
While she feels that one does not have to worry about daily living there, she does not like the idea of a village because she feels it is as if a place for all the ‘demented’ people.
The dementia village will have residential buildings, other facilities and a fair amount of space for the residents to explore, unlike the nursing homes here.
The dementia village will increase the variety of care choices available to the growing number of dementia patients here.
Caring for dementia patients can be very challenging and caregivers do burn out. So some dementia patients go to subsidised daycare centres. Many are cared for at home, and may attend enrichment classes that can help slow their cognitive decline.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA) said more patients are signing up for its Family of Wisdom Programme offered at its centres in Toa Payoh, Tiong Bahru and Bendemeer.
It is designed to foster more engagement for the dementia patients and their caregivers, who must also attend.
Some hospitals and private outfits also offer programmes that benefit elderly people with dementia.
Those who have the means can even opt to go for bespoke programmes that include horse or rabbit therapy at Hovi Care, a senior daycare centre in Turf Club Road.
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
Ultimately, experts say more effort will have to be made to allow dementia patients to age in their own homes or estates.
For instance, there are programmes for caregivers of elderly persons with dementia to help them age well at home.
Dementia-friendly communities are also being developed. There are now six of them – Yishun, MacPherson, Hong Kah North, Bedok, Queenstown and Fengshan.
These will help those with dementia to live at home and enjoy the freedom and independence that come with it.
Hogeweyk, near Amsterdam, is regarded as a pioneering care facility for seniors with dementia. The residents live together in houses, according to different lifestyles, such as cultural for those who like art, culture and literature, and Christian for the religious ones.
Associate Professor Reshma Merchant, head of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the National University Hospital, says that a dementia village should be part of a health district which includes assisted living.
According to Professor Reshma, there should be life as usual in the surrounding vicinity, including schools; religious facilities, supermarkets, rehab facilities. Seniors can wander in a dementia village without getting lost.
Dr Adriel Rao Kailing, Medical Director of Active Global Home & Community Care, says that patients in the village will also feel that they are able to retain a sense of autonomy.
ADA chief executive Jason Foo says a care village is a good option for those who want to continue being socially engaged, but do not want to go to a nursing home.
Ms Lim, who is not close to her family, is aware that her illness may rob her of her independence one day and is open to living in a village, but not now.
And when that day comes, if given a choice between a nursing home and a dementia care village, she says she would opt for the village for the independence and freedom it offers.
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Source: The Straits Times, 22 July 2019